Archive for October 2012

Hello friends and Happy Hump Day and Halloween Wednesday.

I am finally back to work after being off since last Thursday and it’s all good in the neighborhood! This denim riveted skirt has been hanging in my closet for almost a year, hubby gave it to me and I love the big side pockets. I was in search of a pair of booties from Goodwill but found these at Rugged Wearhouse for $10.00 (woohoo). I am not overly impressed with the pairing of the shirt, so my next search will be of a plaid to give the outfit a more country look, right now it’s a little Gypsy!

“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”

From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.

Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.

Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!

The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!

The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!

Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.

Hello friends and Happy Tuesday. I hope and pray that anyone who was affected by Hurricane Sandy are now home safe and sound resting comfortably. We didn’t suffer any damage due to the high winds or heavy rains and for that I say, Thank You Jesus!!! We did however, lose power for an hour so my sons and I huddled around the iPad to watch Chicago Fire. As soon as the power was restored they scattered back to their video games, oh well, at least we had a little time together!

Cold weather storms are definitely diet blowers and we ate far more than we should have, so this poncho is covering the results. We had an appointment this afternoon and it was nice to get out of the house, cabin fever is no joke.

I love fall clothes that you can just throw on in dreary weather especially when they cover the results of overeating!

On Friday I attended the C.O.R.E. Connect 1-Day Training Event for Direct Sales Professionals sponsored by LaShawanda Moore, MBA, a Professional Business Coach. The training was held at the Christiana Hilton and the day began with a continental breakfast accompanied by networking, exchange of business cards and subtle excitement. There were 13 women in attendance mostly reps for lia sophia, but there was also representation from Miche Bags, Body By Vi, Tiffany Chath Event Planner and Pure Romance. We were all there with one goal in mind, elevating success in our Home Based Business and coach LaShawanda was there to train us.

Each table was arranged with a training booklet, a note pad and a monogrammed pen and tote bag. LaShawanda’s husband was the official photographer and we were asked to sign a photo release as pictures were taken throughout the day. We began with a relaxation exercise to center our heart and mind allowing us to be in full focus and receptive to the training.

The presentation covered many topics including Overcoming Fear, Benefits of Your Offering, Needs of Your Customers, What’s Your Purpose? and Love-marking your customers. It was very interactive with ample time allowed for questions, telling of antidotes, sharing of hints and tips as well as plenty of laughter, clapping and encouragement.

The afternoon session was dedicated to recruiting success, bookings, and selling. There was plenty of role playing, game ideas and overall fun including silly group photos. I must admit that as an Avon Rep I wasn’t sure if this training was for me, but it turned out to be a great investment, it put the fire back into my belly and reminded me of why I chose to have a home based business. I highly recommend this training because it “unlocks potential in women to elevate their success”.

Hello friends and Happy Thursday, I hope you are having a productive and stress free day. This is the eve of yet another busy 3-day weekend but I’ll get to sleep in late on Sunday even though I should go to church! I am wearing a watch that I purchased Saturday at Del State’s Homecoming from a Traci Lynn Consultant and I love it!

#31dayremix on Instagram, trying to wear as many warm weather clothes before the hawk and snowflakes make their appearance.

Hello friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday. I am still playing catch up after a busy yet fun filled 3 day-weekend. I was off on Friday so after my mammogram I went to the nail salon and then to Rugged Wearhouse for gear to wear to Sunday’s Breast Cancer Awareness walk. Saturday was Homecoming at my Alma Mater Delaware State University, the classes of the ’80’s were in full force, I saw people that I hadn’t seen since graduating in 1983. The icing on the cake was the beautiful weather for the entire weekend – God is truly good!

Yesterday I received the 3rd and from what I’ve read, the final FREE Beauty Bag from Target. This one is definitely my favorite, a 6″x 5″, vinyl SOHO Beauty Bag in leopard print, perfect for the season and can easily be wiped clean. It wasn’t until later this morning that I realized it matched my OOTD perfectly so I had a co-worker take this picture.